Dog Information Hotline

As a change of pace, the thought occurred to me that with the busy lives we lead, it might be beneficial, if I brought to your attention, bits and pieces of information on dogs and dog care that I have found in my research.

Some of it will be new things and some will be old things that have happened or are happening in the world of dogs, along with a new idea or two.

What started out as a thought and a single article is developing in my mind as a weekly or twice monthly article.

If you have any thoughts on this, please write me through my contact page.

Your email address is safe and will never be used except to answer any questions you may have and that’s it.

Pet News:

Are you aware that in October of this year, Pres. Bush signed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act?

This bill came about due to Hurricane Katrina and the number of lost and homeless pets that storm left behind.

The bill now requires state and local authorities to provide adequate shelters for people with pets and/or service dogs during times of evacuation emergencies.

The Red Cross, which never allowed pets in its shelters, is even changing its policies.

Adoption:

Are you thinking of adopting a pet?

Here are a few things to think about if you are going to use one of your local animal shelters to find your pet:

1. Go to the shelter with an open mind. Many of the animals there are homeless due to their owner’s problems or have become lost from their owners. Not all dogs have behavior problems.

2. Know exactly what kind of pet you are looking for. Have a family conference, research breeds and evaluate your family’s lifestyle.

3. Do not select a dog or cat on impulse. It may take one or two trips to find the right pet.

4. Ask questions of the volunteers at the shelter. They have the ability to see the animal’s behavior at the shelter.

5. Go for personality and not appearance; take time to visit with the pet in a quiet room. Expect some hyperactivity from the dog at first.

6. Have the whole family meet the pet at the shelter before you bring it home. If you have another dog see if you can arrange to meet at a park or other neutral location to see how they will get along.

7. Bring the pet home on a day you can spend time with it. It needs reassurance and some guidance.

9. Expect accidents and some mishaps. Remember Rome was not built in a day and a new relationship requires time and patience.

10. If problems arise you cannot handle talk to your vet or a trained professional. Do not give up on the dog as most problems can be solved.

11. If you are have young children and are considering getting a new puppy here is a thought to consider. Since rottweiler puppies are not exactly cute, they are not the best dogs to start with. You can get your children maltese puppies that are much lighter to carry and can be placed in a dog crate easily.

New Baby:

Are you expecting a baby and wondering how your dog is going to handle the situation?

Here are a few thoughts to consider before the new arrival comes home.

1. Make certain your dog has had some basic
training. If you have not gone through obedience training before, now is the time to begin.

2. As you put together the new baby’s room, allow your dog to participate. Allow your pet to smell and see all the new furniture and things that are arriving.

3. While you are in the hospital with the new baby have someone bring home something with the baby’s scent on it for the dog to smell. Do not allow the dog to play with the article, as that can create another problem.

4. Before you arrive home with the baby have someone take the dog out for a long walk and some active play so it will be tired.

5. Have someone else carry the baby into the house. You should be able to greet your pet and give it some attention before you introduce the baby.

6. While establishing your routine with the baby, be certain to give your dog attention. An occasional pat and conversation will help your dog feel that it is part of the new routine.

7. Relax! Know that your dog and your child have a lifetime to know each other and as time goes on the relationship will just flow naturally.

Something New:

It is the season for giving and Meals on Wheels has come up with a great plan.

In the course of providing meals for seniors, it has come to the attention of this organization that many seniors are sharing their one meal with their pets,

The Meals on Wheels Association of America has decided to include pets along with their senior meals service.

Seniors who have a pet will not only get their meal, their pet will be fed too.

The Meals on Wheels Association of America has become partners with Banfield, The Pet Hospital and launched a “Season of Suppers” for pets.

A drive to collect pet food was started in November and will continue through the end of this year.

You can drop off pet food at any Banfield Pet Hospital (at PetsMart) or contribute money to help launch the program. For more information visit online www.banfield.net or www.mowaa.org.

New Puppy:

If you have or are getting a new puppy and are wondering about the schedule you should follow for getting its shots and checkups, here is a helpful reminder.

1. First visit (hopefully your breeder has had the puppy checked over shortly after birth) at six to eight weeks old. This visit should include a complete physical, parasite check and de-worming and the first series of shots. The shots are for distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus.

2. Second visit: nine to 11 weeks. Should include a physical examination, a parasite check and de-worm if necessary and a booster shot for distemper, adenovirus and parvovirus.

3. Third visit: 12 to 16 weeks. Includes a physical exam, another check for parasites and a de-worming if necessary, another booster for the first series of shots and a rabies vaccination.

4. The fourth visit at 16 to 24 weeks. Includes a physical exam, a dental checkup and surgery for your pet to be spayed or neutered.

After this your pet should need to see your vet only once a year providing all goes well.

Dog Bath Hint

Brushing your dog completely before giving him/her a bath will save you a lot of problems.

Spraying a conditioner on your dog's coat and brushing out the tangles and snarls and then combing through the hair prevents the snarls and knots from growing tighter after they get wet. This also stimulates the blood circulation and oil production and helps protect the skin and coat against the drying effects of the soap and water.

Doggie Smells

Are you afraid to use Febreze on your couch and pillows because you heard it was not safe to use around your dog.

Put those fears away both, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and the Humane Society of the United States agree that the product is safe to use around dogs, providing you use it as directed. That puts an end to a lot of the Internet
rumors that it is unsafe for our dogs.

Skunk Odors on Your Dog

First of all do not bathe your dog in your bathtub, if your pet has been sprayed by a skunk. The odor will penetrate and stay for hours and hours.

Most home remedies do not work, the best thing is to go to the pet store and buy a product made especially for removing skunk odor and bathe the dog outside. If you cannot bathe the dog outside take it to a groomer, which would be my best suggestion.

However, one note of caution, if you think your dog has been sprayed in the eyes by the skunk, take your dog to the vet asap.

Pet Behavior Problems

If you are having problems with your dog's behavior and sometimes feel like you are at the end of your rope. Relax, take a deep breath and meander over to this site and read how you, in a matter of a short time, can have your bundle of misbehaving fur under control. Click Here!

I hope this bit of information has proven of interest, if you have any topics that you would like information on please use my contact form.

Remember, your email address is confidential and will never be used for anything unless you desire a reply from me; otherwise it is a forgotten item.

Making Your Dog's Life More Enjoyable

Dogs require lots of attention.
From walking to bathing to grooming, you're going to need the right gear. Pet supplies come in all shapes and sizes. If you need pet advice or just a recommendation about which pet toys to buy, do a bit of homework
before you go shopping.